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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > May > 17 > Entry
5/17: Jon Peter Lewis interview, Taylor Hicks Broadway bound
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I got a nasty case of food poisoning Thursday and I was mostly down for the count Friday. So belatedly, here is a summary of my talk with Jon Peter Lewis at the Starbucks near DIsco Kroger, same place I met Jordin Sparks earlier this year. I figure I better get this out before Web traffic on this blog drops off big time post-finale!
Lewis, an eighth place finisher from season three, has spent the past four years in the post-“Idol” trenches, selling a few albums here and there, making appearances and doing concerts at colleges, clubs and private corporate events. He hasn’t done a wedding but he did do a girl’s bat mitzvah. In other words, he’s managed to leverage “Idol” to make a living as a musician. “I’m not working at McDonald’s,” he said.
He has a manager and an indie label backing him for his latest album coming out July 22 That’s more than what a lot of “Idol” alums have. And “Good Day Atlanta” was perfectly happy to have him on last Thursday to sing his new single “Break the Silence.”
“It’s not an easy path,” he later noted. “But I’m still here four years later. Take that for what it’s worth. I’ve got a new record. I feel like this is just the beginning.”
One thing he hasn’t liked doing much has been hosting “Idol” style competitions, a common request. “I’m pretty good at it but I prefer to sing,” he said. Through the years, he said he’s run into virtually every major “Idol” star, from Daughtry to Carrie. (The only winner he has missed is Taylor.) Back in 2004, a 13 year old Jordin Sparks, wearing a “JPL” T-shirt met him and gave him an indie CD she had worked on.
And he turned down a chance to go on NBC’s “Fear Factor,” which Anthony Fedorov and Carmen Rasmussen ultimately chose to do. “I just didn’t want to eat worms just to get TV time,” he said.
How about this for strange? He had been singing “Stand By Me” with a smidgen of Sean Kingston’s “Beautiful Girls.” He said when he visited “Idol” the week Amanda Overmyer was eliminated, he said he ran into Jeff Archuleta, David’s dad, who said he had been following Jon Peter Lewis’ career for awhile. Perhaps Jeff was inspired by Jon Peter Lewis? Probably a stretch but check it out here, when he performed the song April 1, 2008 at Albright College in Reading, PA:
Here’s the video for his new single “Break the Silence” and honestly, it’s a pretty darn good song with top 40 potential:
His voice actually sounds much deeper and textured than I recall from season three. He said at the time had very little stage experience and wasn’t really clear in his mind what he wanted to do as an artist. And he admits what people remember the most is his goofy dancing. You can see he’s come a long way:
After “Idol,” he moved to Los Angeles and spent time learning how to write music. “I needed to learn a lot of that stuff, figure out what my sound was going to be,” he said. He experimented live with kitschy songs, rock songs, Americana songs. He settled on what he calls “mood pop,” kind of John Mayer-esque. “My range has gotten bigger,” he said, through practice.
His take on Diana DeGarmo at the time: “Back in the day, it was tough. No one was able to figure who she was artistically. But she had this incredible range and she’s tenacious.”
Not surprisingly, he’s rooting for David Cook to win though he thinks Archuleta’s fans may take him over the top for the crown.
In other “Idol” news:
-Yes, another one goes Broadway. This time, it’s Taylor Hicks, who will star in Grease next month as the “teen angel,” who sings “Beauty School Dropout.” I didn’t see that one coming! He’ll do it from June 6 to Sept. 7. More info here.
-“Idols live” tour tickets went on sale today. It looks like a few thousand have been sold already as of 2:40 p.m. Saturday. You can get them here..
-Oddsmakers still have David Cook favored to win.. I think Cook has broader appeal but you can’t count out the rabid Archuleta fans who will work double time to text message him to victory.
-Traffic is down on this blog by about a third year over year. Apparently, that’s not as bad as what’s happened on www.americanidol.com. Last March, 2007, the unique audience on that main “Idol” site was 7.27 million. This past March? Just 4.3 million. That’s a dropoff of 41 percent. Nielsen provided these stats and more. Nielsen ratings are only down about 10 percent.
Comments
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
May 17, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
interesting stuff on Peters, Rodney, thanks. He’s definitely matured and seems to know, at least sort of, where he wants to go, and how to get there. tenacious, at least!
we all know ONE reason hits on YOUR blog are down is because of the format… people get extremely frustrated with the MUSHblog format, but MOST of us have stuck it out, and we’ve gleaned newbies right and left, especially over the last month or so. and of course, there was the personality differences that caused some former regulars to drift away; sad but true, nothing is permanent, right? But as long as you’re hosting the AJC’s Idol Buzz, most of us who’ve stuck around will continue to do so, i believe.
Will you cover SYTYCD, since it’s affiliated with the AI folks via Nygel Lythgoe? You know many of us DO watch that. Also the other forms of talent competition… I know it’s an Idol blog, but if we know you’re going to continue to cover the genre, we’ll definitely be here!!!
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
May 17, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
lol i mean on Lewis…. somehow i got his name switched around in my head….thinking John Lewis Peters…D’OH!!! my bad
By BC
May 18, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
LOL to the first comment! Jon really does have a lot of first names to choose from, doesn’t he?
Rodney, great interview with Jon Peter Lewis. I loved the “Beautiful Girl/Stand by Me” tidbit in there - thanks for linking to that video. And it’s cool that Jordin Sparks was a fan of his…Ha! Well, I think she’ll be a big fan again soon because Jon’s done a great job with “Break the Silence!” I liked the way you described his voice as ‘textured’ - it really does have an interesting quality to it. He sounds great!
By JTesla
May 18, 2008 2:17 AM | Link to this
A smaller drop than americanidol.com, that is something to be proud of! Thanks for the interview.
By Deirdre
May 18, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Thanks, Rodney! I was always a fan of JPL. I didn’t have delusions that he would win Idol…or even should win Idol, but he was so cute and fun that I really liked him.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Jeff Archuletta borrowed JPL’s Stand By Me arrangement. Nothing wrong with that.
By Deirdre
May 18, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
The ever resourceful mj has come up with some finale spoilers:
“The season finale is Wednesday. As usual, TPTB are keeping details of the final cheesefest close to their vests. But there is information leaking out here and there. Here’s what we got so far:
* David Archuleta and David Cook will perform 3 songs according to reliable spoilers on Idol Forums. One will be picked by Clive Davis (!!!) Wasn’t he recently banished to an island for irrelevant record executives? WTF??!!? One will be chosen by the contestants–either a reprise of a song already sung during the season, or something new. The third song will be whatever ghastly song wins the Idol Songwriters Contest. There are rumors swirling that there will be a twist regarding the coronation song. Maybe there will be two winning songs? Perhaps re-arrangements by the contestants will be allowed? If you remember, last year, Blake Lewis was forced to sing the horrid “Here Is My Now” just as it was written, and the results weren’t pretty. Hopefully both Cookie and Archie will be handed songs they can make their own. * Paula Abdul will debut a song from her upcoming album, and the Top 12 will also be performing alongside Paula for a special group number. Oh goodie! Yahoo. * Two Idols from each of the past 6 Seasons of Idol will be appearing on the finale. Bo Bice has already announced that he’ll be one of the twelve. Yahoo. * Jason Castro told an interviewer from the TV Guide channel that each of the Top 5 will duet alongside a special celebrity guest. Castrocopia. * The Jonas Brothers will be appearing. Finally, something the kids will love. According to recent Nielsen data, the kids haven’t been loving much about Idol these days. * The band One Republic (responsible for the mega-hit “Apologize”. Ryan Tedder from the band recently wrote for Clay Aiken and Blake Lewis) canceled a gig in order to be available for the finale. Daily Press * There was a rumor floating about that Bryan Adams would be one of the celebrity guests, but I cannot find the source of that rumor."By JTesla
May 18, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
“Paula Abdul will debut a song from her upcoming album, and the Top 12 will also be performing alongside Paula for a special group number.”
I just threw up a little in my mouth.
By Deirdre
May 18, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
My feelings exactly, JT! :-)
By War Eagle
May 18, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
David Archuleta’s dad was recently banned from back stage on “American Idol,” and a new report claims that the final straw was when the show’s execs learned he tried to cut a side deal for his son with one of the program’s top advertisers. The National Enquirer is citing sources that claim that dad tried to cut a deal behind the scenes.
The report claims that though it was widely reported that Jeff Archuleta was given the boot because he was pushy, controlling and encouraged his 17-year-old son to change some of the lyrics to a song against the show’s producers’ requests, sources say “Idol” execs finally had enough after he secretly tried to cut an advertising deal for his son.
“That’s the real reason he’s been officially banned from anywhere on ‘American Idol’ except sitting in the audience,” said a source close to the show that is cited in the article. According to the source, Jeff Archuleta cornered an ad rep on the set of one of a video shoot and tried to talk him into signing David for an endorsement deal, the report claims.
That was the last straw for producers, who were already fed up with the overbearing stage dad. In addition to banning him from all rehearsals, they refused to allow the older Archuleta on the private jet that flew the final four contestants to Las Vegas for Cirque du Soleil’s “Love” show at The Mirage. He wasn’t even permitted on the private flight back to Utah to film David’s homecoming! Added the source: “No one is sorry to see him go.”
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
May 18, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
OK this brings a question, WE. Could Archichi have gone to vegas without his guardian? And… excuse me if i’m naive, but… since when do 17 year olds need guardians? well let me rephrase that, DO 17 year olds need LEGAL guardians? at all times, i mean. what about the gadzillions of 16-17 year olds who drive off to daytona or pcb sans parents or guardians EVERY year?
not that i think they’re not in need of some guidance, LOL… just… legally, what’s the ‘age’ at which someone can do something on their own. IN california. because that’s where they are. does it change for a ‘work’ situation (b/c we know they get paid for their time, in a sense).
i’m just curious what the terms are. i understand younger kids definitely have to have a legal rep/guardian/parent whatever nearby at all times. and i understand b/c he’s not graduated he has to do schooling. i don’t remember the pics from the vegas trip, but it seems that if he is required to have his guardian present, they couldn’t ban jeff from travelling with archie
could they?
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
May 18, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Satire about the Archuleta father and son here for your enjoyment. I know some writers on our blog who could even out-satire this, tho! and HAVE on occasion! but nonetheless, it’s cute…
By Deirdre
May 18, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
National Enquirer/Grain of Salt..they kinda go hand in hand.
However, none of that would surprise me.
linny, remember signing all those forms every time one of your kids went on a field trip? I think the Las Vegas trip could be considered a field trip! :-) But if memory serves me(and it often doesn’t) I seem to remember Archie’s mom with him in Vegas. As far as I know, she has not been banned and therefore, may have taken over the ‘guardian’ role.
By DawnH
May 18, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
Hey - anyone there? Anyone watching the country music awards?
By War Eagle
May 18, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
I’m watching Dawn.
By DawnH
May 18, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Hi WE. You going to vote for (I think) Male Vocalist of the Year at the end. I turned it on a little late, so I’m not sure of the details. Have they done that in the past?
By War Eagle
May 18, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
I think this is the first year where the ACM’s let the fans vote. I’m not going to take the time to vote. I like them all.
By DawnH
May 18, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Oh, Trish really had the tatas hanging out tonight.
By War Eagle
May 18, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
No Comment!
By DawnH
May 18, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Ummm… I think I know what you’re thinking. Like maybe she should have worn black like she usually does?
By War Eagle
May 18, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
If you mean that I think that she has packed on a few extra pounds, then you are correct.
By DawnH
May 18, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Yep, that’s what I meant. She has always been a little chunky, and that dress didn’t do a thing to hide it.
By War Eagle
May 18, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
I’m cool with chunky but she has really let herself go. No dress is going to hide all that.
By DawnH
May 18, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Well, pretty good show. Although did it seem there were sound problems or something. Some of the performers just sounded a little off.
By DawnH
May 18, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Time for bed. 5:00 comes early. G’nite WE.
By Deirdre
May 19, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
Morning mushblogians!
Congrats to Carrie Underwood…she always makes us proud!
By Deirdre
May 19, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
Re Kellie Pickler at last night’s award show.
2.Nice dress.
By Lara
May 19, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Rodney, I hope you are feeling better. Food poisoning must has been an epidemic this weekend, as I am still recovering. I am still hoping David Cook wins, but I will be TiVOing both shows so that I can FF through all the blegh!!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 19, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Wow. Food poisoning was what i had too, Friday!!! I’ve not been able to eat more than a teensy bit STILL… Hope you feel better soon Lara, Rodney glad you survived it!
yuk! must be a conspiracy!!!
By flats
May 19, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Good morning everyone out they’re in MUSHDAWG!!! land.I just got back from the All Star Race!!!Worst race i’ve ever seen.I hope thangs pick up since i’m back!!!Flats adds the flavor!!!WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!I CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT THREAD!!!!
By Deirdre
May 19, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Rodney, linny and Lara….sounds like there’s something going around..a little stomach virus maybe. My older son was talking this weekend about a 36/48 hour bug that’s been attacking people in his office. he was hoping he wasn’t going to get it because he said they felt like sh*t for a number of days.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 19, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
great. i’ll vouch for the feeling lousy, what EVER the reason!
just can’t seem to shake the weakness and inability to eat more than a few bites of food, 3 days later :-(
By flats
May 19, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
LOL!!!!!!
By Lara
May 19, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
3 days later and I am still burping toast (have been able to keep down jello…woohoo).
Linny - hope you feel better soon! Hmmm, are the Monchichi supporters poisoning our food to keep us from voting this week? hee hee - just kidding
By flats
May 19, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Me mom were talking the other night about the little archie boy.She agrees that older women and gay men votes will win it for him!
By Deirdre
May 19, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Even in your weakened conditions, ladies, I’ll still be expecting voracious voting from you! :-)
I hope y’all feel a lot better VERY soon!
By flats
May 19, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Dang Linny an D…What did yall do to the blog?I had a bad feeling about that lost thang!!!
By Deirdre
May 19, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Everybody is sick, flats, including Rodney. You’ll just have to be patient.
By Tami
May 19, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
There needs to be a major vote-fest for Cookie tomorrow night! Otherwise, it will be hard to stomach Archichi - as Deidre calls him…LOL - on the radio for the next 2 months. Arrgggh.
I have a section on my Myspace devoted just for David C - [text to be linked]www.myspace.com/gapeach64 in case you want to have a look. I’ve never done this before for any AI contestant. I just think he’s probably been one of the more original contestants (in the same league as Daughtery & Bo Bice) AI has had, and probably has more staying power in the music industry.
By Tami
May 19, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
oops…guess I goofed up my link section on my last message. Allow me to try this again:
text to be linked
Otherwise…I give up. LOL.
By Deirdre
May 19, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
So here’s how it’s going to go tomorrow night. The Davids will sing 3 songs each. One song that they pick themselves, one song that Clive Davis picks(I know he wasn’t supposed to be involved this year but here he is!!!) and the unmarketable, trainwreck of a song that won the songwriting contest.
By flats
May 19, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
D…Flu season’s over…Something else happend!I hope word spreads that i’m back fro the race!!!
By Deirdre
May 19, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Let me add that it is my belief that this will be the closest finale in votes sing the Clay/Ruben finale and, no matter which one wins, there will be a lot of ranting and raving from the other side about cheating.
So, that being said, if some of us are still ‘embracing the porcelain throne’ tomorrow night, We all are just going to have to suck it up and VOTE!!!!
Deirdre is thinking that ‘suck it up’ might have been the wrong way to put that.
By flats
May 19, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
WOW!!!!!!PITIFUL YALL!!!!!
By flats
May 19, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
WOW!!!!!!PITIFUL YALL!!!!!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 19, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
greg, Rodney said HE was sick for 3 days. Lara has food poisoning, or a bug, or whatever. I’ve been sick since noon friday. D always has Friday’s off. NO ONE posts much on weekends. so how about you just lay off, huh? no one SAID it was the “flu” … there are plenty of OTHER ways to get sick to one’s stomach! sheesh. and when you point that “pitiful” crap at others, remember you have 3 more of those figurative fingers pointing right back at yourself.
By flats
May 19, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Hey Linny!!LOL!!!Yoour the best!I dont mind!We’ve been thru worse!!!Yall killed it!
By Deirdre
May 19, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
linny…get some rest…he’s just baiting us again…he’s never happy unless he’s got us irritated about something.
We’ll just call this a sick day and chat with everybody tomorrow. :-)
By mvt
May 19, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
no,wait please!! don’t leave me alone with flats!!
By flats
May 19, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
D!!!!LOL!!!!
By flats
May 19, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
I made changes around here!!!NOT THESE CHANGES!!!!!!!
By Deirdre
May 19, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
mvt, hang in there…I have some errands to run and will rescue you in awhile! :-)
By Jim
May 19, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Long time reader, first time commenter.
To the informative several of you, thanks. You’ve successfully made this blog worth coming back to, even in the face of one or two useless douchebags that seem to think they’re important just because they use a lot of exclamation points. Of course, some little kids never grow up. I bet they take pride in it somehow too.
Anyway, looking forward to next week and next season.
By Rodney Ho
May 19, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Let’s start anew. I posted a fresh blog entry!
By flats
May 19, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
MVT.3.I’l talk to u about idfl and all that.Jt will be around later.He’s my good friend along with a host of others…IF YOU WANT SOME!!!COME GET IT!!!!!
By Deirdre
May 19, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
You seriously reduced the population in here…no one to blame but yourself, flats!
By mvt
May 19, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
great to have you speak, Jim. I say that as Deirdre ia out doing errands and unavailable to welcome you..please keep posting!
By flats
May 19, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
LOL @ D……Thanks!!!